AN: Yo, I got an update semi-fast. Let's go! I appreciate every review and the speculation on what Pokemon egg it is! Most of this chapter is a jumble of what Paul will normally go through while traveling.
Anirocks: Some questions I think that are relevant here are 1. When will other important characters from anime like zoey, kenny and ursula be introduced? Introducing side characters is a gradual process (give it 5 chapters and one will probably introduced somewhere in there).
3. what is Paul's Pokémon and trainer skills power wise. an explanation on this will be nice. Paul has gone through 3 regions in the past and this is his 4th in my fic. Paul is a veteran trainer, but with a growing cast of Pokémon. This means, even though he has high level Pokémon, he'll be training "weaker" Pokémon to obtain an even stronger and wider party.
4. As for normal Pokémon having power equal that of legendary it is proven in anime that ash's Pikachu and sceptile have power equivalent to that of legendries. if Paul has meta-knowledge why is he wondering as to will normal Pokémon can have power equivalent to that of legendaries? While I agree that there are cases where normal Pokémon have beaten Legendaries/Mythicals, I was more referring to the bigger Pokémon like the big three: Arceus, Palkia, and Dialga. Any main legendary from a region I think is a good marker for legendary Pokémon strength (except the sw/sh dogs)
8. In anime alder is shown as champion of Unova during ash's journey in Unova but in this story Hilbert became champion. so can you fix the plotpoint? This world is a mix of anime and game. The point of distinguishing this means that Ash's Unova journey will never happen like it did in the anime. Iris is an Elite Trainer, some gym leaders retired (Cilan, and others). Any continuity issues with other regions is for now, on purpose. Any issue with Sinnoh I might have problems with, but for the most part any changes is a conscious decision.
I apologize for the long AN, but I felt these were important topics. This story is just now reaching 50,000 words (in pure story content, subtracting ANs).
Beta: XenoTime39 (He greatly improved this chapter)
After finishing up the little get-together with Hilda and Isla, I was sure to make plans to embark on Route 210. While that day was a nice break from the reality that I had an adventure ahead of me, I wanted to keep my goals in focus. Although… it was fun to hang out with Hilda and Isla. Who knows if we'll meet up together again any time soon to do it though?
Sighing from the thought, my attention shifted back to what was in front of me: a long bridge overlooking a fall into a river. While this bridge isn't beat up in the slightest, maybe if I fall, I'll get a Bulbasaur out of the experience.
Putting that thought aside, I took the first step on the bridge, expecting the terrifying sound of the bridge breaking in some way. That sound never came.
That's slightly embarrassing. I should've known that league-official Route Bridges were polished and maintained to provide Trainers an easy way to trek through routes. With some hesitation, I continued walking over the bridge. This was only the first of a series of bridges that Route 210 had, so I would have to get used to it.
While traversing over the bridge, it got me thinking. There are multiple paths listed in the Trainer Manual. Some are more straightforward than others, and some lead to uncommon Pokémon. From what I remember Reggie telling me, there are unofficial paths that Trainers use as well but those paths run the risk of not being safe and not being efficient at getting you where you want to go.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Especially with Mt. Coronet. So many paths are available there and it's going to be a bit daunting having to venture through it.
Suddenly, I heard a scream up ahead. Is it a wild Pokémon attacking? Is it Team Galactic? Whatever it is, I'm obligated to see if I can help.
With two Pokeballs thrown, I call out, "Staravia, Ninjask, stand by for battle!" My flying types showed themselves and looked to me for instruction. "Somebody screamed nearby. Go fly ahead to find out if someone needs any saving." I could just be overreacting but it's better to not leave anything up to chance.
Staravia and Ninjask gave their assent and flew to encounter the problem. Ninjask would get their first with his speed, but Staravia would be the better fighter to protect anyone if they were in danger. I ran to catch up. I was on another bridge, passing the mountainous part of Route 210. My surroundings turned to green as I made my way through a clearing to see what the problem was.
I was faced with a Scyther standing over an old woman who was petrified in fear. The Scyther sneered at Staravia and Ninjask and attempted to hit the both of them with what appeared to be air slash.
I had to react fast. "Both of you, use double team!" the two of them multiplied, avoiding the air slash that just hit copies.
"Staravia, use steel wing! Ninjask, use X-Scissor!" Staravia's wing struck the left side of Scyther while Ninjask struck the right with his claws. The combined assault of the moves launched it into the air. Now's my chance.
Making sure that I could throw it accurately, I chucked a Pokeball at the damaged Scyther, saying, "Pokeball, go!"
The ball hit its mark and it fell behind the old woman. Finally paying mind to her, I said, "Are you alright miss? I assume that Scyther was a bit of a surprise."
Her distress seemed to have passed once she figured out that help had arrived, so she picked herself back up with myself lending a hand for that and said, "I'm alright no thanks to you. I never expected a local Scyther to attack me out of nowhere!"
An audible ding could be heard coming from the Pokeball I had thrown. Huh, I guess I caught a Scyther. Sweet.
(-)
The old woman I had saved had introduced herself as Grandma Wilma and had insisted that I call her that. She had a house not too far away that she lived in alone. When I asked why she lived away from the cities, she said she wasn't a fan of the city crowd, being more comfortable the closer to Pokémon (friendlier Pokémon I hope). She continued, mentioning that she had family in Johto, but she decided to move with her husband and grandson. Her husband died shortly after her move, but her grandson is traveling around challenging the gyms like myself.
"Who knows," Grandma Wilma said with a sharp glint in her eye, "Maybe you'll meet him during your journey."
"Perhaps. I'll be sure to look out for anyone who mentions that they're from Johto."
"Ahaha. He should prove to be a tough trainer to beat if you challenge him. Say, I'm pretty knowledgeable about dragon-types if I do say so myself. If you have any, I'd be more than happy to teach them anything I know."
While I appreciate the gesture, I don't have any Dragon types unless… Answering out loud, I responded, "When I get a Dragon type, I'll be sure to take you up on that offer."
"Hoh, a deal to settle in the future. Well, I won't take back my offer, so come back any time to my humble abode."
"I'll be sure to do so." Training Dragon type moves for a dragon was an especially hard endeavor so easing that in any way was an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up.
After that we had some small talk that amounted to very little of anything. Exchanging some last pleasantries, I headed out of the house and to the rest of Route 210.
(-)
With step after step, I trekked through the dense forest that lay ahead. Pokémon did not approach me probably because most of the forest Pokémon tended to avoid the main paths. I tried to think of anything besides walking to take my mind off of it.
It's a boring and monotonous task. It really is! I mean, when someone thinks of Pokémon traveling, I'd imagine that they don't think of so much walking. Most people think of riding on the backs of a Tauros, Ponyta, or any other mount Pokémon with an emphasis on speed. In actuality, not only is riding on the backs of Pokémon regulated on the paths, but it's also discouraged completely. For two reasons: path degradation and Pokémon capturing.
These paths are maintained routinely every year for Pokémon trainers. If every trainer went on it, then they would be run into the ground. There are paths that are mandated as a Rider Pokémon area, but those are mostly long stretches of nothing with little Pokémon inhabiting the areas.
The league notes specifically in the manual that "It is encouraged that trainers keep a keen eye in each area for potential party members." It never directly states the discouragement of rider Pokémon, but heavily emphasizes exploration on foot.
As a saw the forest turning into another mountain path, I prepared my legs for an uphill hike. Not going to lie, I shouldn't complain about the walking as much as I do. There are numerous benefits both detailed and not detailed by the manual that I appreciate. For instance, if I zoomed past every route without appreciating the little details of it, I wouldn't be able to see views like these.
I stopped my hike completely to take a look at the beautiful region of Sinnoh. The landscape of Sinnoh is just pure beauty incarnate. There's a delicateness and a roughness that coexist and I think that goes for every region. Everything feels alive and I think that's invigorating.
Against my better wishes, I pushed onward through the path.
The height of the mountainous path isn't enough to affect breathing, but the look down isn't pretty. Just remembering what I'm going through just to get to the next gym reminds me that a trainer's job is so broad. Besides the obvious that everyone can be a Pokémon trainer, a professional trainer, attempting the gym challenge is going to require traveling, camping, cooking, actual Pokémon care, Pokémon ability/strength training, and anything else a trainer may encounter. Sure, some of these skills can be greatly helped by buying easy products that wrap it all up nicely, but the expenses of Pokémon training are a whole separate topic and one that is greatly underestimated.
It's… interesting to say the least to see the wide variety of skillsets that I'm required to have to be a competent trainer.
Sigh Reggie used to lecture me what a trainer needed when I was younger. He always relayed stories of his travels like the time his Staraptor nudged a tornado away with twister. It's stories like his that make a journey seem so action-packed and dynamic that makes the world I live in seem unreal.
It gets to my competitive side that I could become that trainer to challenge natural disasters. That I could be someone greater and amass a team that can all be called legendary. My footsteps got harder as I started getting excited again for training and getting stronger.
But before I get too excited, I should remember that that means more walking.
(-)
Thankfully, at some point I decided to stop for my legs' sake. I didn't stop in any random place though. There was plenty of time in the day to keep on walking, but I spotted a Heracross from a distance eat from a honey tree. It would prove prudent to stop now because if I tried to catch up to it, it would be long gone. So, I'll stop early from a ways away to train. I'll catch it tomorrow.
It was perfect stopping here anyway. An open field here would be a suitable place for training with enough space to take any punishment (within reason) and it wouldn't disturb the Heracross.
So, I set up camp, starting with my Purple Silph Co. Tent. Honestly, that was all that I needed. The tent was big enough for me to place everything neatly and securely. There was even a pouch for the egg to stay out in the open. It was all a very convenient creation by the Silph Co. that makes me respect their products every time I use them.
So, with all that done, it was time to train. Usually, I would get everyone out so that they can all work on something, but with how little of time we have, it'd be easier to work on everyone tomorrow. Today, I have plans for Torterra. "Come out, Torterra!" I said, throwing his pokeball in the air.
"Tor!" He and I were on the same wavelength.
"Yes, we're going to do some one-on-one training for now. As it is, you're plateauing in power and to take you to the next level, I think we're going to have to kick things up a notch. Most of the others wouldn't be able to handle it."
"Teraaa!"
"Alright then, let's get started!" I wanted Torterra of all my Pokémon to reach his potential the most because he was my first Pokémon. Not that the others don't understand what I want, but Torterra just knows me so well and that is really reassuring. Torterra when I first let him out noticed that I had changed. He was a little worried that I had given up on our goal, but I reassured him that I was just taking that goal into another direction. A direction that would be more beneficial for a Pokémon's power, even Torterra's power.
Throwing out another Pokemon into the air, I called out, "Come on out, Scyther!" He needed to see what we were all about and a good way to do that would be by watching us train.
"Scy!" While obedient, I could tell that Scyther was cautious of how I would treat him.
Taking a hyper potion out of my bag, I warned Scyther, "Careful, this'll sting." When sprayed, Scyther didn't flinch when all his wounds went away. He seems to be able to take pain well, huh. "Hey, Scyther. Observe the training that Torterra is about to go through. You'll have the option to do some of your own later, so it's important for you to know what you're in for."
"Scy!" Hmm, he didn't seem like he would be a problem.
Turning over to Torterra, I prefaced, "I have a plan for you to learn two moves: swords dance and rock polish. Both of which have to do with improving a particular stat during battle.
Torterra seemed pumped, so I continued. "You already know curse which raises both your attack and defense at the cost of your speed which is perfect for a Pokémon of your size. You'll know if you've learned the move, so my job will be showing you the moves on my pokedex and really working on getting you to capture that feeling."
The pokedex has videos of each move known to mankind in a demonstration-style fashion. Really any trainer has access to it so it's a surprise when they don't. Personally, I like building a Pokémon's core stats before going into each specialized move. It's really that which I think will be the difference between the champions and the ace trainers. A champion's Pokémon isn't special because of their move sets (but they help). They're special because of their incredible durability, power, and speed. To maximize what I want from Torterra, we need to build upon previous training which will come in time.
Torterra had just watched the rock polish and was attempting it. Torterra would seem to struggle with the feeling of how to do it, even after seeing it.
I decided to step in. "Torterra, do you remember the feeling of carbos? They raise your speed in the same way. Rock polish requires you to make yourself shiny and smooth all over. I think focusing on your shell will help as that's a good focal point even with a lot of life going on with the tree on your back."
Torterra nodded as he understood the feeling. Within seconds of focusing, I could tell immediate progress. A hint of a sparkle was on the gray part above Torterra's head. Torterra was struggling for it to expand, but the polish was there. After a few seconds of concentration, Torterra stopped and was breathing hard.
"That was progress Torterra! You tapped into rock polish, even if it was only on a small part of your body. We'll build on it later, but that was incredible work. I'm very proud."
"Tor!" Torterra was very proud of himself.
Looking back to Scyther, I said, "You see that? That's the kind of dedication that I know that everyone on my team can show me. Do you think that you'll be able to show me the same kind?"
Scyther thought about it for a few seconds before smirking and smiling. "Sccccyyyyther!"
"Great to hear. Next time you're out, I'll be sure to work with you to become the best Pokémon I know you can be. I'll introduce you to the team come dinner." After I finished my declaration, I returned him into his pokeball.
Immediately after returning him, I turned to Torterra with a smirk. "Don't push yourself too hard. You still have another move to start."
Torterra just laughed at my jab. He was up to learn swords dance, in fact this one would probably be easier since curse helps raise attack, just like swords dance.
"So," I started, bringing up my pokedex with swords dance, "It's going to be fun to see you pull off a dance, huh."
Torterra gave me a taken aback face.
"What? Swords dance seems to require you to have a lot of foot movement to build up the fighting spirit, or so says the pokedex.
Torterra seemed more comfortable with trying out the move now. I backed away to give him some space and soon enough dust was being brought up with how fast his legs were moving up and down. It was… really fun to see happen to be honest, but it seemed to have worked from Torterra's grin.
"So, did you get it first try?"
"Tor!" He was really proud of himself which he should be. Curse must've helped more than I thought, even though they are different type moves.
"We'll refine the two moves later. For now, take a break. I'll trust you to introduce Scyther into the group." Torterra nodded and with that I set out to fill my hungry stomach.
(-)
Dinner was fun. Scyther smoothly integrated with Monferno and Electabuzz and spared a bit with them. Nidoking chatted with Torterra as the oldest members of the team. Staravia and Ninjask were chased around by a surprisingly active Croagunk. Even the egg seemed to wobble a bit in an energetic manner.
The meal was nothing spectacular, but I got no complaints from the team. It was a little disheartening to see all that pokefood go because it is a costly expense especially with two more Pokémon in the team. It's yet another reason why most trainers travel with six: because all the food is packaged for teams of six. Ridiculous right? Why can't the convenience shops keep the prices reasonable when raising to a greater amount of food?
All mind-numbing decisions of the Pokémon world aside, I tried to wrap up dinner quickly by returning everyone and going to sleep early. It took me a bit to fall asleep, but I did drift off eventually into dream land.
And when I awoke to a new day, I almost groaned at how much more traveling I'd have to do, but I knew that I better get started.
While hiking through the forest, my mind naturally went to what I wanted to do to improve my team.
Like Torterra is an insanely durable Pokémon, but his move set is very limited in type and power. The stat boost moves will help a lot during a battle, but the only way to improve to a greater level would be to practice battling more and more. Repetitive, I know, but there is so much nuance with battling that can be utilized so differently for effective results.
Monferno and Electabuzz have been great examples of nuance in battling as they have very intuitive movement that is just built upon an innate battle sense that the two possess. They are natural-born fighters basically. They're still growing to get more powerful though, capitalizing upon their evolution. While Torterra could still beat the two easily, they'll probably have a much easier climb to get to a champion level just because of their potential shown.
It's hard to really gauge which Pokémon will reach their potential first and where that potential ends. Nidoking, for instance, is probably above average in terms of the strength of a Nidoking. Can he increase his potential by training? Yes, there's clear proof of it in many cases. The only problem is unlocking that method.
Thinking about all the Pokémon I've caught, it's a surreal feeling of uneasiness to simply say "Yeah, all of these Pokémon are going to become the best of the best." It makes me uneasy to say that I'll make them the best of the best.
I stopped my steps to take a deep breath.
No more doubts. I know what I have to do to advance as a trainer, but do I have the will to do it? I won't even allow myself to question my own abilities. If I don't know if I can, I'll make sure I can! It's as simple as that.
It's time to go beyond.
Any speculation about what Pokémon the egg? I'll give you a hint. None of you have guessed it yet ;). Reviews and favorites are appreciated. Ask questions and you shall receive answers.